Chasing His Scentless Mate Chapter 369 Professional Advice

Ava’s POV

"How are you feeling this week, Ava?" Dr. Marlowe asked.

I settled deeper into the plush chair, considering the question. Joseph had been gone for over two weeks now with absolutely zero contact. Not a call, not a text. Nothing.

"Better," I admitted, surprising myself with the truth in my words. "Still hurt, obviously. But... I’m starting to adjust to life without him."

Dr. Marlowe’s eyebrows rose slightly. Last session, I’d been a complete wreck.

"That’s significant progress. What’s helped you through this difficult period?"

I hesitated. "I’ve been spending ti with soone who makes feel... valued."

"Soone new?" Her pen hovered above her notepad.

"Not like that," I quickly clarified. "His na is Kenneth. He’s older—in his fifties. He’s been incredibly kind to ."

Dr. Marlowe nodded encouragingly. "Tell more about this relationship."

I found myself smiling as I recalled our recent adventures.

"That’s quite generous of him," she noted. "Taking you to Las Vegas on a private jet."

"Kenneth is just that kind of person. He treats everyone wonderfully. He has this way of making you feel special without any pressure." I leaned forward, eager to explain. "He’s like the father figure I never really had."

Dr. Marlowe asked. "And how long have you known Kenneth?"

"Not long," I admitted. "But we connected instantly. He understands ."

"I see." She set her pen down completely. "Ava, I typically don’t interject my personal opinions about my patients’ relationships..."

"But?" I could hear the reservation in her voice.

"But I’m professionally concerned about this relationship’s timing and nature."

I sat up straighter. "What do you an?"

"You’re going through a significant emotional trauma with Joseph’s departure. It’s natural to seek comfort, but sotis we can unconsciously substitute one attachnt for another."

"It’s not like that," I insisted. "Kenneth is just being nice."

Dr. Marlowe tilted her head. "May I ask—do you think Kenneth might have romantic interests in you?"

"God, no!" I laughed, the thought absurd. "He’s old enough to be my father."

"Age gaps don’t preclude attraction," she said carefully. "Successful n in their fifties often find younger won appealing. Especially vulnerable ones."

"I’m not vulnerable," I shot back, then winced at my defensive tone.

"Everyone experiencing heartbreak is vulnerable, Ava. That’s completely normal." Her voice softened. "From what you’ve shared about your childhood, it sounds like you didn’t have a consistent father figure growing up. Sotis that can make us more receptive to attention from older authority figures. Does that resonate with you at all?"

I crossed my arms. "Kenneth is just being kind."

"Kindness usually cos with boundaries. Flying soone you barely know to Las Vegas on a private jet and giving them ten thousand dollars to gamble with... that’s beyond typical kindness."

When she put it that way, it did sound strange.

"I’m not suggesting anything improper has happened," Dr. Marlowe continued. "I’m simply asking you to consider his potential motivations. n rarely invest significant ti and money without expecting sothing in return."

"Not everything is transactional," I argued.

"No, but psychology often is. Just proceed with caution, Ava. That’s my professional advice."

I nodded reluctantly, though I was certain she was wrong about Kenneth.

"Our ti is almost up," Dr. Marlowe said, glancing at her watch. "I want you to think about establishing so healthy boundaries in this new friendship, especially while you’re healing from your relationship with Joseph."

"I will," I promised, standing to leave. "Thank you."

"Sa ti next week?" she asked.

"Yes. See you then."

Back at my apartnt, I couldn’t stop thinking about Dr. Marlowe’s warnings. Was I really replacing one attachnt with another? Was Kenneth’s kindness truly selfless?

No, she was wrong. Kenneth was just a nice man who saw soone in pain and wanted to help. Not everyone had hidden reasons.

I was folding laundry when my phone rang. Kenneth’s na appeared on the screen.

"Hello?" I answered.

"Ava! How are you this evening?" His voice ca through warm and friendly as always.

"I’m good, just doing so chores."

"Well, I have the perfect excuse for you to skip those chores. There’s a new cody playing at Harbor View Mall. I thought you might enjoy an evening of laughter."

Dr. Marlowe’s warning words played in my mind. Maybe I should keep so distance.

"Oh, that’s really nice of you, but I should probably..."

"I’ve already bought the tickets," Kenneth said, his voice dropping slightly. "For the 7:30 showing. I know your therapy sessions end at 5, so I thought you’d have ti to get ho and relax first."

I stopped. How did he know my therapy schedule? Had I told him?

"I understand if you’re too tired," he continued, sounding disappointed. "I just thought after everything you’ve been through, you deserved so fun."

His thoughtfulness made feel guilty for being suspicious. Dr. Marlowe was making paranoid.

"No, that sounds wonderful," I heard myself saying. "I could use a good laugh."

"Excellent!" His voice brightened imdiately. "Shall I pick you up at seven?"

"I can et you there," I suggested, keeping at least that small boundary.

"Of course. I’ll be waiting by the snack stand. And Ava? I’m looking forward to seeing your smile again."

After we hung up, I stared at my phone. Was I being foolish? Or unfair to Kenneth?

The mall was busy with Friday night crowds when I arrived. Kenneth spotted first, waving from near the snack stand. He looked good in casual pants and a blue shirt.

"You look lovely," he said, greeting with a warm smile.

"Thank you. This place is packed tonight."

"It is. Shall we get so popcorn before the show?"

We got in line at the snack stand. Kenneth was telling about sothing funny at his office when a familiar voice called out.

"Ava auntie! We always seem to et at the movies!"

I turned to see Antonio’s smiling face. My heart jumped at seeing Joseph’s nephew.

"Antonio! You practically live in this mall," I teased, genuinely happy to see him.

"True enough. What are we watching today?" he asked cheerfully.

"A cody," Kenneth replied, turning toward us. I quickly introduced them.

"Antonio, this is Alpha Kenneth. Kenneth, this is Antonio."

"I’ve heard so much about you!" Kenneth held out his hand warmly. Antonio shook it with his usual charm.

"Yeah, I’m kind of a big deal," Antonio joked. "Nice to et you, Alpha Kenneth."

"Antonio, where’s Mia?" I asked, noticing he was alone.

"She’s at ho. I’m eting so friends and heading back soon."

Antonio’s face grew more serious as he looked at . "Auntie, are you okay? I wanted to call you, but mom said Louise and I should give you and uncle so space. You know he’s traveling, right?"

My heart quickened. "Yes, I know. Has he... has he not returned yet?" I tried to keep my voice casual.

"I think he’ll be back this week," Antonio rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. "Auntie, I’m sorry, but I think you two need to talk."

I just stared at him, trying to process what this might an. Joseph was coming back? Did he want to see ?

"Well, I should get going. Can I call you this week?" Antonio asked.

"Of course, dear. You’re welco anyti."

Antonio gave quick kisses on both cheeks, said goodbye to Kenneth, and disappeared into the crowd.

"I like that boy!" Kenneth comnted as we collected our popcorn and drinks.

"Yes, he’s wonderful," I replied, my mind still stuck on the news about Joseph.

"Now, let’s relax and have so laughs," Kenneth said, gently leading toward the movie theater.